How to Change Your Name in San Diego County, California
Changing your name in San Diego County (county seat: San Diego) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for San Diego County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.
The short answer
After a marriage: order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the San Diego County Clerk, 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, San Diego, CA 92101 — $19.00 each. Then update Social Security, then your California DMV license, then your passport, in that order. No court filing is required.
After a divorce or a court order: your certified copies come from the San Diego Superior Court — Family Court instead. The rest of the sequence is identical.
Order matters. Social Security has to be updated before the California DMV — the license office checks your SSA record, and if it still shows your old name they will turn you away.
Step 1 — Get your certified copies
Every agency needs to see an original certified document. For a marriage name change, order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the San Diego County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the San Diego Superior Court — Family Court (below).
San Diego County Clerk
Phone: (619) 237-0502 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Certified copy fee: $19.00
San Diego Superior Court — Family Court
Phone: (619) 450-7069 · Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Certified copy fee: $25 per certified copy
Step 2 — Update Social Security
Update your Social Security record first — it must come before your driver's license. It's free, but bring your certified document and a current photo ID.
Local Social Security office
Phone: (855) 820-0097 · Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am-4pm; Wed 9am-12pm
Step 3 — Update your California DMV license
Once your Social Security record is updated, visit the California DMV to reissue your driver's license or state ID with your new name.
California DMV office
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8am-5pm; Wed 9am-5pm
Driver's license / ID fee: $36 (DL renewal/name change)
Step 4 — Update your passport
Submit the correct passport form with a certified copy of your name-change document. Passport services are available in San Diego.
Fees at a glance
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copies (San Diego County) | $19.00 |
| Social Security card update | Free |
| Driver's license reissue | $36 (DL renewal/name change) |
| U.S. passport update | $0–$130 (depends on timing) |
Local note: Multiple locations (Chula Vista/Santee/San Marcos). NOT available at Kearny Mesa. Appt required for marriage LICENSE not for certificate copies. Govt-issued photo ID required in person.
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Get my San Diego County guide → $24.99Frequently asked questions
- How do I change my name after marriage in San Diego County, CA?
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the San Diego County Clerk (1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, San Diego, CA 92101), then update your Social Security record, your California DMV driver's license, and your passport — in that order.
- How much does a certified copy cost in San Diego County?
- The San Diego County Clerk charges $19.00 for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
- Where is the San Diego County Clerk's office?
- 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, San Diego, CA 92101. Phone: (619) 237-0502. Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Confirm current hours before visiting.
- Do I need to go to court to change my name in San Diego County?
- No for a marriage or divorce name change — your certificate or decree is your legal document. A court-order name change requires filing a petition with the Superior Court, Civil Division and attending a hearing.
Sources: San Diego County Clerk · San Diego Superior Court — Family Court · Social Security Administration · how we verify this